Search - Lunasa :: Lunasa

Lunasa
Lunasa
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. Eanair
2. Feabhra
3. Marta
4. Aibreann
5. Bealtaine
6. Meitheamh
7. Iuil
8. Mean Fomhair
9. Deireadh Fomhair
10. Mi Na Samhna
11. Mi Na Nollag
12. Jacky Molard's/The Hunter's Purse

CD Details

All Artists: Lunasa
Title: Lunasa
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Compass Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2001
Re-Release Date: 2/12/2002
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: British & Celtic Folk, Celtic, Celtic New Age
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 766397431727, 4011586374016

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Lunasa introduced a new rhythmic complexity and harmonic sophistication to traditional Irish music on their self-titled 1997 debut, which Compass Records is now reissuing for the first time in America. The trio of fiddler Sean Smyth, flautist Mike McGoldrick, and uilleann piper John McSherry supply the melody, and they negotiate the twists and turns of the intricate jigs and reels with a technical virtuosity and sense of joy that recalls the legendary Bothy Band. But as good as these three are, the heart and soul of the band is the rhythm section of bassist Trevor Hutchinson and guitarist Donogh Hennessy. Together they explore the subtle rhythmic variations and harmonic possibilities implied by the tunes. They don't impose a new order on the old melodies, but instead bring out a richness that was always there. Although the recording quality is not quite up to the standards of their later releases, the addition of a bonus live track recorded in 1996 and the sheer exuberance of their playing make this an essential recording by one the most important Irish bands to emerge in the 1990s. --Michael Simmons

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CD Reviews

Re-release of a Classic

Luke D. Powers | Seaford, NY United States | 06/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lúnasa can best be described as the Bothy Band of this era. But whereas the Bothy Band's sound had more of a rough-and-ready feel, Lúnasa's sound is highly polished, with graceful harmonies and rhythms that swing.This is their first album with Mike McGoldrick and John McSherry (since replaced by the super duo of Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely), re-released with a live version of "Colonel Frazer" replacing the original studio one, and an extra track consisting of a Breton tune and an Irish reel played almost with a Breton rhythm. For those of you not familiar with Lúnasa, their lineup consists of uillean pipes, fiddle, and flute, and a rhythm section of upright-bass and guitar. There is no singing, so if you're a fan of vocals you might be disappointed, but the sounds these guys produce are amazing and make you want to get up and dance. This album has live and studio-recorded tracks, but Lúnasa's playing is so smooth you won't be able to tell the difference until you hear the roar of the crowd afterward. Even if you own the original release of this album, the extra track makes another purchase worth it.Lúnasa is the band I play when I am trying to introduce someone to Irish music. If you are only recently getting into Irish traditional dance music, I can think of no better band with which to start."

Lively Irish traditional music

E. Thompson | California, USA | 07/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music is pure Irish dance music, but with a driving guitar backup and bass rather than a drum. The tunes are traditional, but the harmony is a bit more modern and the rhythms more syncopated than 50's style ceili bands. Some noteable tracks are Feabhra, which starts out with the Brenda Stubbert reel and moves into a mixed meter tune which sounds almost Balkan, and Aibreann, an air with a lush, beautiful low-whistle duet. Meitheamh is my favorite, though, a driving traditional reel that features each soloist in turn. If you're a fan of traditional Irish instrumental music, pick this up - you'll be glad you did."

Downright Amazing ...

hyperbolic squiggly | 10/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the excellent debut album from possibly Ireland's hottest music act these days. Irish music with the perfect blend between tradition and the new, definitely jazz-influenced with their impeccable arrangements and transitions. This is the most colorful, lively and passionate Irish music CD I know of in existence. The bass and guitar and bodhran provide the driving backbone I find missing in most celtic music I've explored. Oh, and for you Uillean pipe fans ... I think there's more splendid piping on this their debut than any other Lunasa release. True virtuosos, these guys are amazing to see in concert (as of Autumn 2002). Very friendly and down-to-earth, as well!! (FYI: This is completely instrumental.)"